Computational nonlinear dynamics model of percept switching with ambiguous stimuli

Abstract

Simulation results of bistable perception due to ambiguous visual stimuli are presented which are obtained with a nonlinear dynamics model using delayed perception-attention-memory coupling. Percept reversals are induced by attention fatigue with an attention bias which balances the relative percept duration. Periodic stimulus simulations as a function of stimulus off-time yields the reversal rate variation in surprisingly good quantitative agreement with classical experimental results reported in the literature [1] when selecting a fatigue time constant of 1 - 2 s. Coupling of the bias to the perception state introduces memory effects which are quantified through the Hurst parameter H, exhibiting significant long range correlations (H > 0.5) in agreement with recent experimental results [2]. Percept transition times of 150 - 200 ms and mean percept dwell times of 3 - 5 s as reported in the literature, are correctly predicted if a feedback delay of 40 ms is assumed as mentioned in the literature (e.g. [21]). © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.